For many young Indians, the dream of moving abroad—especially to countries like Canada—has long been seen as the ultimate life upgrade. The math appears simple: earn in dollars, live better, succeed faster. But beneath the Instagram reels lies a sobering reality that few talk about. A new comparison by a chartered accountant, Nitin Kaushik, has sparked debate online by decoding what a Rs 15 lakh salary in India truly offers versus the much-hyped $80,000 income in Canada—and the findings are eye-opening.
As per the CA, at first glance, $80,000 (roughly Rs 49–50 lakh) may sound like a jackpot. But he mentions that once you factor in Canada’s steep taxes, high rent, vehicle expenses, grocery bills, and mandatory winter prep, the dream fizzles out fast. For many, what’s left after monthly costs barely allows room for savings, let alone building wealth.
What can Rs 15 lakh salary in India get you?
Meanwhile, a Rs 15 lakh package in India, though often dismissed as “less ambitious,” actually delivers far more in terms of lifestyle and savings. Lower cost of living, access to family support, affordable help, and cultural comforts all stack up in its favour. With manageable rent, home-cooked meals, and no brutal winters to navigate, life in India, especially for white-collar professionals, can offer balance, emotional well-being, and real financial progress.
The reality check doesn’t stop there. Contrary to social media hype, the Canadian job market isn’t always welcoming. Many new migrants land in low-paying survival jobs—retail, warehousing, delivery—just to stay afloat. Earning $30,000–$50,000 after taxes often means scraping by with minimal savings. And while Canada scores high on cleanliness and infrastructure, many face isolation, mental health struggles, and burnout, factors rarely discussed before..
Of course, there are exceptions. The CA mentioned that professionals in tech, healthcare, or academia may still find great opportunities abroad. But for the vast majority—especially those going on student or dependent visas—the Canadian dream often turns into a quiet hustle for survival and PR.
So before chasing a foreign lifestyle for its gloss, it’s worth asking some honest questions: What do you really save? How much quality of life are you trading? And most importantly—are you happy?